Matt Barker, Sports Information Director
HENDERSON, Tenn. - The Freed-Hardeman Lion baseball team split a pair of games with Park University Friday evening, as they suffered a 10-2 loss in the opening game, but followed it up with an 10-0 shutout in the nightcap.
Ian Torres picked up the win for Park University (13-11, 4-10 AMC) in the opening game, as he limited FHU to just five hits while striking out seven batters. Austin Steel suffered the loss for FHU after working the first three innings of the game and giving up six hits and four runs, two of which were earned.
The Lions (16-12, 8-6 AMC) went scoreless throughout the first five innings until they were able to break through with two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, as Freshman Josh Sears connected on a two-run home-run over the left field fence to put FHU on the board.
However, despite pushing two runs across in the bottom of the sixth, a comeback would not be in the cards for FHU, as the Pirates pushed runs across in every inning except the fifth to pull away with the 10-2 victory.
Despite suffering the loss in the opening game, the Lions did not let it slow them down, as they pushed 10 runs across in the nightcap to come away with the 10-0 shutout.
Jared Humphry (3-3) picked up the win in the nightcap, as he worked all seven innings and allowed just three hits and no earned runs while striking out seven batters.
Bryce Lester and Wes Brooks each pounded out homeruns in the nightcap to account for four of FHU's nine RBI in the contest. Lester went 2-for-3 in the nightcap while Brooks went 2-for-4. Cody Duncan also found his pop at the plate, as he went a perfect 3-for-3 on the day with a triple and two RBI in the win.
With the Friday split, the Lions move to 16-12 on the season and 8-6 in conference play. Park University moves to 13-11 on the season and 4-10 in AMC play with the split.
UP NEXT: The Lions conclude the three-game series with Park University Saturday, as they play a single nine-inning game slated for 12:00 PM at Carnes Field.
